Sound and Sense, 1

Our English dictionary has in it many words whose sounds and meanings can … confuse. In this next series of doggerel, I’ll be writing about several sorts of such words.

The first—the contronym: a word, says the Oxford English Dictionary, that has “two opposite or contradictory meanings.”

Earliest published use: 1962.

apology

1. written or spoken expression of one’s regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, injured, or wrong another.

2. defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.

She thought that my apology

Was somewhat thin and frail.

And so she slumped into my arms—

And I commenced to wail.

*

I crafted my apology

So carefully that day

That listeners stood up and cheered—

They now saw things my way!